In the UK, individuals are being encouraged to start taking a daily supplement that costs approximately 4p per tablet. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
Insufficient vitamin D can lead to bone issues such as rickets in children and bone pain from osteomalacia, also known as “soft bones,” in adults. While sunlight provides adequate vitamin D from late March to September, the darker months from October to March prompt government officials to recommend daily vitamin D supplementation.
Specific groups, including children aged one to four and infants who are breastfed or consume less than 500ml of formula per day, are at a higher risk of deficiency and should take year-round supplements according to NHS guidelines. Children aged one and above, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals with increased deficiency risks should aim for a daily intake of 10 micrograms of vitamin D.
Although oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals contain some vitamin D, it is challenging to obtain sufficient amounts from diet alone. Therefore, the NHS advises everyone to consider taking a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that breastfed babies or those consuming less than 500ml of formula daily should receive a daily vitamin D supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms throughout the year.